Device For Holding A Portion Of A Shirt In A Lifted Position, And Methods Of Using Same

ABSTRACT

A device for extending around and securing a portion of a shirt in a lifted position is disclosed. The device can include a sleeve having a length along a longitudinal axis. The sleeve can define a slot that extends along an entirety of the length of the sleeve along the longitudinal axis. The sleeve can have opposed longitudinally extending edges on opposed sides of the slot. The sleeve can be resiliently elastically compressible about and between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In the open configuration, the opposed longitudinally extending edges can be spaced along a transverse axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In the closed configuration, the opposed longitudinally extending edges can be drawn inwardly toward or past each other along the transverse axis. A fastener that can be configured to secure the sleeve in the closed configuration.

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to apparatuses for holding up a portion of a shirt, for example, while direct breastfeeding or expressing breastmilk.

BACKGROUND

Conventionally, when direct breastfeeding or expressing breastmilk (e.g., pumping breastmilk), to access the breasts, an individual either entirely removes her/their shirt or lifts and holds the lower edge of the shirt upwardly and away from the breasts. Holding the shirt out of the way occupies the individual’s hand, making positioning baby or setup and operation of a breast pump difficult. Further, because the individual’s hand is occupied, performing other tasks simultaneously while direct breastfeeding or expressing breastmilk can be difficult. When accessing both breasts simultaneously (e.g., during double pumping), the shirt has to be held away from both breasts for an extended period of time, which is difficult to do. Accordingly, a better way to hold a shirt during direct breastfeeding or expressing breastmilk is desirable.

Nursing attire has been developed to mitigate these difficulties. However, this attire is typically expensive and is not always an option (e.g., when the individual is required to wear a uniform).

SUMMARY

Described herein, in various aspects, is a device for extending around and securing a portion of a shirt in a lifted position. The device can comprise a sleeve having a length along a longitudinal axis. The sleeve can define a slot that extends along an entirety of the length of the sleeve along the longitudinal axis. The sleeve can comprise opposed longitudinally extending edges on opposed sides of the slot. The sleeve can be resiliently elastically compressible about and between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In the open configuration, the opposed longitudinally extending edges can be spaced along a transverse axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In the closed configuration, the opposed longitudinally extending edges can be drawn inwardly toward or past each other along the transverse axis. A fastener that can be configured to secure the sleeve in the closed configuration.

Additional advantages of the disclosed device will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosure. The advantages of the disclosed device will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the disclosed device, as claimed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of the preferred embodiments of the disclosed device will become more apparent in the detailed description in which reference is made to the appended drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view of the device in a use position in which a shirt is secured in a lifted position, in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 in an open configuration.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the device of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 in the open configuration.

FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 in the closed configuration.

FIG. 6 is an end view of an exemplary embodiment of a device as disclosed herein in a closed configuration.

FIG. 7 is an end view of the exemplary device of FIG. 6 in an open configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The device, and methods of use thereof, will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the disclosed device are shown. Indeed, the disclosed device may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. It is to be understood that the disclosed device is not limited to the particular methodology and protocols described, as such may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed device.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosed device set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the device pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the disclosed device is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

As used herein the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, use of the term “a fastener” can refer to one or more of such fasteners, and so forth.

All technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs unless clearly indicated otherwise.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. Optionally, in some aspects, when values are approximated by use of the antecedent “about,” it is contemplated that values within up to 15%, up to 10%, up to 5%, or up to 1% (above or below) of the particularly stated value can be included within the scope of those aspects. Similarly, in some optional aspects, when values are approximated by use of the terms “substantially” or “generally,” it is contemplated that values within up to 15%, up to 10%, up to 5%, or up to 1% (above or below) of the particular value can be included within the scope of those aspects. When used with respect to an identified property or circumstance, “substantially” or “generally” can refer to a degree of deviation that is sufficiently small so as to not measurably detract from the identified property or circumstance, and the exact degree of deviation allowable may in some cases depend on the specific context.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

As used herein, the term “at least one of” is intended to be synonymous with “one or more of.” For example, “at least one of A, B and C” explicitly includes only A, only B, only C, and combinations of each.

The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular list and can also include, unless context dictates otherwise, any combination of members of that list.

It is to be understood that unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is in no way intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation; and the number or type of aspects described in the specification.

The following description supplies specific details in order to provide a thorough understanding. Nevertheless, the skilled artisan would understand that the apparatus, system, and associated methods of using the apparatus can be implemented and used without employing these specific details. Indeed, the apparatus, system, and associated methods can be placed into practice by modifying the illustrated apparatus, system, and associated methods and can be used in conjunction with any other apparatus and techniques conventionally used in the industry.

Devices disclosed herein can be used for breastfeeding. The term breastfeeding can encompass expressing breastmilk and direct breastfeeding. Expressing breastmilk can comprise pumping breastmilk and otherwise manually expressing breastmilk. In exemplary aspects, devices disclosed herein can advantageously be used during pumping of breastmilk (e.g., double-pumping breastmilk, wherein both breasts are simultaneously being pumped).

Disclosed herein, with reference to FIGS. 1-2 , is a device 10 for extending around and securing a portion of a shirt 50 in a lifted position. The device 10 can comprise a sleeve 12 having a length along a longitudinal axis 14. The sleeve 12 can define a slot 16 (e.g., a single slot or channel) that extends along an entirety of the length of the sleeve 12 along the longitudinal axis 14. The sleeve 12 can comprise opposed longitudinally extending edges 18 on opposed sides of the slot 16.

The sleeve 12 can be resiliently elastically compressible about and between an open configuration (FIG. 4 ) and a closed configuration (FIG. 5 ). In the open configuration, the opposed longitudinally extending edges 18 can be spaced along a transverse axis 20 that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 14. In the closed configuration, the opposed longitudinally extending edges 18 can be drawn inwardly toward or past each other along the transverse axis 20 (relative to the spacing of the longitudinally extending edges in the open position). In exemplary aspects, the sleeve can comprise polymer. For example, the sleeve 12 can comprise polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or any suitable polymer. In various aspects, the sleeve 12 can comprise felt (e.g., thick felt) or neoprene. In further aspects, the sleeve can comprise aluminum, steel, stainless steel, or any suitable metal alloy.

Referring also to FIGS. 4-5 , a fastener 22 can be configured to secure the sleeve 10 in the closed configuration. In exemplary aspects, the fastener 22 can comprise a strap 24 and a buckle 26 that is configured to retain the strap 24 in a looped configuration. In some aspects, the strap 24 can be mechanically coupled to the sleeve 12. For example, the strap 24 can be adhered to or sewn to the sleeve 12. The buckle 26 can optionally comprise a slide buckle (e.g., a ladder lock buckle or a tri-glide buckle/slide). As used herein, the term “slide buckle” refers to a buckle that frictionally inhibits movement of the strap relative to the buckle as opposed to a buckle that comprises a pin that extends through the strap. Accordingly, in exemplary aspects, the buckle 26 can be configured for continuous adjustment of its looped circumference. For example, the strap 24 can have a free end 28 that can be pulled to tighten down the strap (reducing the strap’s operative circumference), thereby actuating the sleeve 12 from the open configuration to the closed configuration. When the free end 28 is released, the buckle 26 can frictionally engage the strap 24 to inhibit sliding of the strap relative to the buckle (and, thus, inhibiting expansion of the strap’s operative circumference).

In further aspects, the buckle 26 can comprise opposed portions that are configured to releasably couple to each other, such as, for example, a side release buckle.

In exemplary aspects, the buckle 26 can comprise metal. For example, the buckle 26 can have a gold color. In this way, the buckle 26 can also serve as an accent piece that aesthetically complements the sleeve 12.

In further aspects, it is contemplated that the fastener 22 can comprise various other types of fasteners. For example, instead of or in addition to providing a strap and a buckle, the fastener 22 can comprise one or more snaps, one or more hooks, a zipper, or hook and loop.

The sleeve 12 can be elongate along the longitudinal axis 14. For example, the sleeve 12 can have a major dimension (e.g., a diameter) in a plane 30 that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 14, and the length of the sleeve 12 can be greater than the major dimension in the plane 30.

In some optional aspects, the sleeve 12 can have a length from about 2 inches to about 7 inches, or about 3 inches to about 6 inches, or from about 3 inches to about 5 inches, or about 5 inches to about 6 inches, or about 4 inches, or about 5 inches, or about 6 inches. In this way, the sleeve 12 can have a sufficient length to lift the shirt away from both breasts. This can be advantageous for double pumping breastmilk or simultaneously direct breastfeeding two nursing babies or children.

In exemplary aspects, in an uncompressed, resting state, the slot 16 can have a width along the transverse axis 20 from between ½ inch and 1 inch. Said width can optionally be consistent along the entirety of the length of the sleeve 12.

The sleeve 12 can have outer surface 32 and an opposed inner surface 34. The sleeve 12 can define a thickness between the outer surface 32 and the inner surface 34. Optionally, the thickness can be substantially consistent throughout the sleeve 12.

Optionally, the outer surface 32 of the sleeve 12 can be cylindrical or generally cylindrical. Similarly, the inner surface 34 of the sleeve 12 can be cylindrical or generally cylindrical. “Generally cylindrical” can refer to a shape that has maximum variation between transverse dimensions of less than 15%, or less than 10%, or less than 5%, or less than 1%. In exemplary aspects, the sleeve 10 can have a major dimension (e.g., optionally, a diameter of the inner surface 34) from about 1 inch to about 3 inches, or from about 1.5 inches to 2 inches.

In some aspects, in cross sectional planes 30 that are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the sleeve 12 can have a C-shaped or U-shaped profile.

In some optional aspects, in the closed configuration, the opposed edges 18 can be configured to extend past each other along the transverse axis (relative to the spacing of the longitudinally extending edges in the open position). In these aspects, it is contemplated that the portions of the sleeve 12 that define the edges 18 can at least partially overlap one another. In further optional aspects, in the closed configuration, the opposed edges 18 are not configured to extend past each other along the transverse axis. For example, the opposed edges 18 can be configured to meet or abut one another or, optionally, to leave a small gap between each other.

To use the device 10, a portion of a shirt 50 can be positioned within the sleeve 12. For example, the portion of the shirt 50 can be rolled or folded or wadded and then inserted into the slot 16. The shirt 50 can have a collar 52 and a lower edge 54 (e.g., a portion that extends around a waist of the wearer during normal use). The portion of the shirt positioned within the sleeve 12 can comprise a front portion of the shirt between and including the collar and the lower edge 54. With the portion of the shirt 50 within the sleeve 12, the fastener 22 can secure the sleeve in the closed configuration. For example, an individual can pull the strap 24 to tighten down the strap against the sleeve 12. The individual can then express breastmilk (e.g., double-pump breastmilk) or direct breastfeed. The user can then release the fastener (e.g., undo the buckle) and remove the shirt from the sleeve. As used herein, the term “shirt” is meant to include any chest covering that is designed to cover the breasts of a wearer when worn and used in its normal fashion. When multiple shirts are worn during breast feeding or breast pumping, it is contemplated that front portions of each of the shirts can be received within the slot 16 of the sleeve 12.

Although embodiments of the sleeve 12 are described herein as being resiliently elastically compressible, in further aspects, the sleeve 12 need not be. For example, in further aspects, the device 10 can comprise a sleeve 12 having a length along a longitudinal axis. The sleeve 12 can be rigid (e.g., not resiliently elastically compressible). The sleeve 12 can define a slot 16 that extends along an entire length of the sleeve along the longitudinal axis. The sleeve 12 can comprise opposed longitudinally extending edges 18 on opposed sides of the slot 16. The opposed longitudinally extending edges 16 can be spaced along a transverse axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A strap 24 can be configured to extend continuously across the slot 16 to retain the shirt therein.

In further aspects, and with reference to FIGS. 6-7 , a device 10′ can comprise a sleeve 60 having first and second portions 62, 64, each having opposed first and second edges 66, 68. The first edges 66 of the first and second portions can be hingedly coupled to each other by a hinge 70. The opposed second edges 68 of the first and second portions 62, 64 can be pivoted toward and away from each other to define a slot 72 for receiving a portion of a shirt. In exemplary aspects, a biasing element, such as a torsion spring can bias the second edges 68 of the first and second portions 62, 64 toward (or past) each other to move the sleeve 60 toward a closed configuration (FIG. 6 ). The sleeve 60 can optionally be retained in the closed configuration using a fastener as disclosed herein (e.g., a strap and buckle, one or more snaps, one or more hooks, a zipper, or hook and loop. The first and second portions 62, 64 are shown as portions of a hollow cylinder. However, other geometries are contemplated that, when in the closed configuration, surround an interior space. For example, the first and second portions 62, 64 can have inner and/or outer surfaces that cooperate to form a sleeve 60 having inner and/or outer surfaces that are, in cross section, rectangular, triangular, elliptical, oblong, or any other suitable shape. Further, the cross sections of the sleeve need not be consistent along the length of the sleeve, although it may. The sleeve 60 can optionally have dimensions as described herein with reference to the sleeve 12.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for extending around and securing a portion of a shirt in a lifted position, the device comprising: a sleeve having a length along a longitudinal axis, the sleeve defining a slot that extends along an entirety of the length of the sleeve along the longitudinal axis, wherein the sleeve comprises opposed longitudinally extending edges on opposed sides of the slot, wherein the sleeve is elastically compressible about and between an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein, in the open configuration, the opposed longitudinally extending edges are spaced along a transverse axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and, in the closed configuration, the opposed longitudinally extending edges are drawn inwardly toward or past each other along the transverse axis, wherein the sleeve has a length along the longitudinal axis that is sufficient to lift the shirt away from both breasts of a user; and a fastener that is configured to secure the sleeve in the closed configuration.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the length of the sleeve along the longitudinal axis is from about 5 inches to about 6 inches.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the sleeve is elongate along the longitudinal axis.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the fastener comprises a strap and a buckle that is configured to retain the strap in a looped configuration.
 5. The device of claim 4, wherein the strap is mechanically coupled to the sleeve.
 6. (canceled)
 7. (canceled)
 8. The device of claim 4, wherein the buckle comprises metal.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein, in an uncompressed resting state, the slot has a width along the transverse axis from between ½ inch and 1 inch.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the sleeve has an outer surface and an opposed inner surface, wherein the sleeve defines a thickness between the outer surface and the inner surface, wherein the thickness is substantially consistent throughout the sleeve.
 11. The device of claim 1, wherein the sleeve has an outer surface that is cylindrical or generally cylindrical.
 12. The device of claim 1, wherein the sleeve has an inner surface that is cylindrical or generally cylindrical, wherein the inner sleeve has a diameter from about 1.5 inches to about 2 inches in cross sectional planes that are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
 13. The device of claim 1, wherein, in cross sectional planes that are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the sleeve has a C-shaped profile.
 14. The device of claim 1, wherein, in the closed configuration, the opposed edges are configured to extend past each other along the transverse axis.
 15. The device of claim 1, wherein, in the closed configuration, the opposed edges are not configured to extend past each other along the transverse axis.
 16. A method of using the device as in claim 1, the method comprising: positioning a portion of a shirt within the sleeve so that both breasts are exposed beneath the shirt; and securing, with the fastener, the sleeve in the closed configuration.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising expressing breastmilk with the portion of the shirt within the sleeve.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: releasing the fastener; and removing the portion of the shirt from the sleeve.
 19. The method of claim 16, further comprising breastfeeding with the portion of the shirt within the sleeve.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: releasing the fastener; and removing the portion of the shirt from the sleeve.
 21. The device of claim 1, wherein the length of the sleeve along the longitudinal axis is from about 3 inches to about 5 inches. 